Open Comment Post. Jan 2, 2017

Wow.  Had a great holiday but got the gift of "the crud"....trying to kick this stuff but its hitting hard.  Prediction?  Dr visit today, I'll be back strong tomorrow.

Syria just went 18th century warfare...literally!

pic via Molon Labe Tumblr Page.

This is crazy.  I don't know if that's a hillbilly cannon or if its an antique but the ingenuity shown is awesome.

I am now convinced that the people with the most potential to cause massive mayhem and carry out the attack without being detected are machinist/welders.  Its been shown that with a well stocked shop, a little imagination and a lot of determination you can get stuff done.

Leave the gun stores alone...investigate the machine shops! Just kidding.

Did we all miss a cut in the Navy's F-35 buy?

Thanks to Don for the link!

Don reposted a link to this 2015 Navy Times article (here) and while everyone was going ga ga over the statement made by Greenert with regard to stealth not being the end all be all and the repeat of his "payloads over platforms" meme we missed something huge.  Check this out...

"There are some officers in the Navy who would like to see stealth brought to carriers, but quite a few who wouldn't, who would rather stick with something they know, at a price they know, with two engines that they know and perhaps, shift all funding to the sixth generation [F/A-18]," Aboulafia said.
He said the Navy's buying pattern is telling as to how it sees it integrating into the fleet.
"They are just not acting like the F-35 will be a major part of their force structure in the future," he said, noting he estimated that the Navy might end up buying roughly 200.

Roughly 200?  The programmed buy was 260.  Additionally if the Navy is buying fewer F-35C's than projected then that will increase the buy of those planes for the USMC.

Trump has an option to find a middle ground on the F-35.  He can cut the F-35C completely, let the Navy buy an advanced Super Hornet and still squeeze Lockheed Martin to get the best price possible on the A and B models.

One thing is obvious though.  The Pentagon is in panic mode.  Real cuts to this program are on the horizon and we've already seen the first hints of it...we just all missed it when it came out.

Women's UFC just died.

First.  Go here to see the post fight interview with Nunes.

You're back?  Hear me out.  Women's UFC just died.  Nunes will not be half the ambassador for the fight game that Rousey was and other female fighters have been.  Why?  Well its sensitive for many but obvious.  She's lesbian (think that doesn't matter...check out women's NBA).  She's obviously on the juice.  She doesn't speak english well so she can't be an ambassador for the sport in the US.

The problem for the UFC?  There isn't a person on the horizon that could unseat her.  She'll be champ for at least a couple of years and will see opportunities to cash in (at least in America, not sure about Brazil) dry up because no one will fight her.

Nunes won but Women's UFC died.

The Imperial Japanese Diplomat that saved 6K Jews during WW2.

via gdfalksen Tumbler Page.
Chiune Sugihara. This man saved 6000 Jews. He was a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania. When the Nazis began rounding up Jews, Sugihara risked his life to start issuing unlawful travel visas to Jews. He hand-wrote them 18 hrs a day. The day his consulate closed and he had to evacuate, witnesses claim he was STILL writing visas and throwing from the train as he pulled away. He saved 6000 lives. The world didn’t know what he’d done until Israel honored him in 1985, the year before he died.

comment made by robowolves 

He was often called “Sempo”, an alternative reading of the characters of his first name, as that was easier for Westerners to pronounce.

His wife, Yukiko, was also a part of this; she is often credited with suggesting the plan. The Sugihara family was held in a Soviet POW camp for 18 months until the end of the war; within a year of returning home, Sugihara was asked to resign - officially due to downsizing, but most likely because the government disagreed with his actions.

He didn’t simply grant visas - he granted visas against direct orders, after attempting three times to receive permission from the Japanese Foreign Ministry and being turned down each time. He did not “misread” orders; he was in direct violation of them, with the encouragement and support of his wife.

He was honoured as Righteous Among the Nations in 1985, a year before he died in Kamakura; he and his descendants have also been granted permanent Israeli citizenship. He was also posthumously awarded the Life Saving Cross of Lithuania (1993); Commander’s Cross Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (1996); and the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2007). Though not canonized, some Eastern Orthodox Christians recognize him as a saint.

Sugihara was born in Gifu on the first day of 1900, January 1. He achieved top marks in his schooling; his father wanted him to become a physician, but Sugihara wished to pursue learning English. He deliberately failed the exam by writing only his name and then entered Waseda, where he majored in English. He joined the Foreign Ministry after graduation and worked in the Manchurian Foreign Office in Harbin (where he learned Russian and German; he also converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church during this time). He resigned his post in protest over how the Japanese government treated the local Chinese citizens. He eventually married Yukiko Kikuchi, who would suggest and encourage his acts in Lithuania; they had four sons together. Chiune Sugihara passed away July 31, 1986, at the age of 86. Until her own passing in 2008, Yukiko continued as an ambassador of his legacy.

It is estimated that the Sugiharas saved between 6,000-10,000 Lithuanian and Polish Jewish people.

Just plain wow.  The unknown stories of this war....I'm blown away.... Everyone knows about the "big stuff", the propaganda and the story crafting to illustrate to those that would come later on how they were expected to perform.  But these stories lost to time of sacrifice and bravery are just plain cool and show a type of strength that 99.9% of the population can't muster and the majority of those could never comprehend.

Open Comment Post. Dec 30, 2016.

Above is the T92 Airborne Light Tank.  One thing you can give the US Army credit for.  Every 20 or so years they get a wild hair and start talking about making an Airborne Tank.  After a few prototypes are made they're always declared unsuitable and they go on doing business as normal.

Regardless...the T92 was cool.  But forget all that.  What's on your mind?

Household Cavalry Regiment on Ex Iron Scout 3 on Salisbury Plain.

Pictured is a C Sqn Household Cavalry Regiment Scimitar Vehicle at night during Exercise IRON SCOUT 3...The Household Cavalry Regiment is an Armoured Cavalry regiment equipped with CVR(T) recognisance vehicles (soon to receive the new AJAX vehicle) that allow the Regiment to project forward large distances and provide the forward recognisance for 1 (Armoured) Brigade. 

The Scimitar armoured fighting vehicle's exceptionally low ground pressure and small size make it useful where the terrain is hostile and movement is difficult. 

Scimitar carries a 30mm Rarden cannon for self-defence. It is used by reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps and 'recce' elements of the armoured infantry.

Wow.  I thought the Brits had retired all these vehicles.  The funny thing? This would make an ideal Airborne Fire Support Vehicle if it just had a bigger gun...considering that there is an anti-tank version maybe if both versions were bought it could get the job done.

I wonder why the 82nd never considered borrowing a few for some experiments.

Advanced Super Hornet could perform 80% of F-35 missions

via Next Big Future.

Dave Majumdar, the defense editor for The National Interest, assessment is that an Advanced Super Hornet could perform could offer a less costly 80 percent solution for the U.S. Navy’s requirements. Once developed to its full potential, the Advanced Super Hornet could perform most of the missions envisioned for the F-35C except penetrating strike—it would have to rely on stand-off weapons for that mission.
The Marines would simply be out of luck since a short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the Advanced Super Hornet is simply a physical impossibility
Switching to mostly Advanced Super Hornet's could save around $15 billion per year or more for 30-50 years.
Sensor Fusion can be matched
When development is complete, the F-35 will be able to correlate all of the data from its various sensors and data networks and then present that information in a single coherent and easily understandable display. Currently, only the Lockheed Martin F-22 and F-35 have such a capability, but the Navy is working on adding a similar “sensor fusion” system to the Super Hornet. The Navy’s Multi-Sensor Integration effort for the Super Hornet is being developed in three phases—some of which have been fielded—with the goal of developing a sensor fusion capability similar to the F-22 and F-35.
According to Navy officials, the Super Hornet’s MSI program drew lessons from both the F-22 and F-35. However, one major difference between the Super Hornet’s sensor fusion and the F-22 and F-35 is the limited capabilities of the F/A-18E/F’s current displays. Boeing, however, has an option to fit a new large 11’X19’ high-definition color display into the Super Hornet cockpit that would address that issue.

Story here. 

This story is a must read and shows how the talking points put forward by Bogdan, Davis, Joint Program Office, Lockheed Martin and Leroy are nothing but lies.

Remember how they've all vacillated between Sensor Fusion being the key to the F-35's lethality (because its kinematic performance sucks donkey dick) to stealth being essential?

This article clearly shows how false those claims are.  Something you guys have known all along and I've suspected.

Kill this monster now.  Its past time to take this project down to the bayou, punch it in the head till it stops moving, hold it under till you know the deed is done and then tie cement blocks to it and toss it in the water so the gators and catfish can get big.

Thurs Funny?

Thurs funny?

Maybe if you're a Walking Dead fan, and since I am (or was until that episode...they jumped the shark with Glen getting his skull caved in and still being able to talk) I get the humor.

US Army armor/robotic swarm plan...

via National Interest.

The Army is preparing to configure Abrams tank prototypes able to control nearby “robotic” wing-man vehicles which fire weapons, carry ammunition and conduct reconnaissance missions for units on the move in combat, service officials said.
Although still in the early stages of discussion and conceptual development, the notion of manned-unmanned teaming for the Abrams continues to gain traction among Army and General Dynamics Land Systems developers.
Algorithms are progressing to the point wherein they will be able to allow an Abrams tank crew to operate multiple nearby “wing-man” robotic vehicles in a command and control capacity while on the move in combat.

Army researchers, engineers and weapons developers are preparing to prototype some of these possibilities for future Abrams tanks, Maj. Gen. David Bassett, Program Executive Officer, Ground Combat Systems, told Scout warrior in an interview.
“As I look to the future and I think about game-changing technologies, manned-unmanned teaming is a big part of that. There’s a set of things that we think could be really transformational,” Bassett said.
This kind of dynamic could quickly change the nature of landwar.

Autonomous or semi-autonomous robotic vehicles flanking tanks in combat, quite naturally, could bring a wide range of combat-enhancing possibilities. Ammunition-carrying robotic vehicles could increase the fire-power of tanks while in combat more easily; unmanned platforms could also carry crucial Soldier and combat supplies, allowing an Abrams tank to carry a larger payload of key combat supplies.
Also, perhaps of greatest significance, an unmanned vehicle controlled by an Abrams tank could fire weapons at an enemy while allowing the tank to operate at a safer, more risk-reducing stand-off range.
As unmanned vehicles, robotic platforms could be agile and much lighter weight than heavily armored vehicles designed to carry Soldiers into high-risk combat situations. By virtue of being able to operate without placing Soldiers at risk, tank-controlled ground drones could also be used to test and challenge enemy defenses, fire-power and formations. Furthermore, advanced sensors could be integrated into the ground drones to handle rugged terrain while beaming back video and data of enemy locations and movements.
“You don’t need armor on an auxiliary kit,” Michael Peck, Business Development Manager, General Dynamics Land Systems, told Scout Warrior in an interview.
Manned Abrams tanks, therefore, could make use of advanced thermal sights, aided by robotic sensors, to locate and destroy enemies at ranges keeping them safe from enemy tank fire. Sensor robots could locate enemy artillery and rocket positions, convoys and even some drones in the air in a manner that better alerts attacking ground forces.

Land drones could also help forces in combat breach obstacles, carry an expeditionary power supply, help with remote targeting and check route areas for IEDs, Army and General Dynamics statements said.
Some of the early prototyping is being explored at the Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, Warren, Mich.
Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley has consistently emphasized that manned-unmanned teaming and autonomy central to the Army’s preparations for the future, Bassett explained.
“The Chief has been really candid with us that what whatever we build for the future has that concept in mind that we are laying the architectures in that will support that,” he added.
Thus far in the Army, there are both tele-operated vehicles controlled by a human with a lap-top and joystick as well as platforms engineered with autonomous navigation systems able to increasingly perform more and more functions without needing human intervention.
For instance, TARDEC has developed leader-follower convoys wherein tactical trucks are engineered to autonomously follow vehicles in front of them. These applique kits, which can be installed on vehicles, include both tele-operated options as well as automated functions. The kits include GPS technology, radios, cameras and computer algorithms designed for autonomous navigation.

Story here. 

I just don't know.  It sounds great.  Futuristic.  Almost sci-fi-ish...but will it work?  Let's not forget that at its heart you're talking about networks, computers and vehicles.  All of the above requires maintenance at best, will break/need repair and if the worst happens you'll have to recover it least it fall into enemy hands.

One other thing.

We've been here before and the US Army/Marine Corps had a ready made
solution to the convoy problem and didn't bite when the IED problem first popped up and everyone was shitting themselves trying to find a solution.  Remember the Terramax (pic to the right)?  Yeah.  An autonomous 7 ton truck that was ready for production and went thru all the tests?  How about the Carnegie Mellon "Crusher"?  It was tested thru all kinds of muck and mounted some interesting weapon systems.

If that's not enough then how about BAE's Black Knight!

My bigger point is that we could have already been testing these concepts with experimental divisions like the Army once did with the 9th ID to see if they might work but we haven't been serious enough to pull the trigger.

Everyone focuses on aviation but the ground combat element (force) has been ready for a technological leap for at least two decades but leadership hasn't had the imagination, guts or daring to see what might and might not work.

Close Call!!!

via I Like Props Tumblr Page.

BTR-4 8x8 Amphibious Vehicle suboptimal?

standard BTR-4

optimized with what I believe is additional flotation armor across the front section of the vehicle

via Sputnik.

Indonesia is reconsidering plans to acquire more Ukraine-built BTR-4 8x8 amphibious armored personnel carriers (APC) after issues cropped up during training activities.
After concluding initial training on the amphibious vehicle, Korps Marinir (KORMAR), the Indonesian Marine Corps, reported several problems, including the APC excessively trimming at the bow while immersed in water and operating at full speed.

Story here. 

Building an effective amphibious APC/IFV is hard stuff.  Its even harder if you're selling your gear to a Marine Corps (like Indonesia) that regularly floats its vehicles from ship to shore, swims large bodies of water (not just narrow rivers) and has grown used to the capability provided by the ancient but amazingly still functional AAV.

From the little info provided by the story it sounds like they're looking at the vehicle basically trying to bury its nose in the water.

That's not good.

If you recall a couple of years ago some US Marines lost their lives right outside the AAV school house in the 'test pool' when their vehicle nosed into the water.

The fix that the Ukrainians tried to adopt doesn't seem to work (and this is speculation on my part...if you check out the second pic at the top I'm guess they thought that flotation armor would help raise the nose of the vehicle) and a new fix will be necessary if they want to make the sale.

China J-20 Stealth Fighter With 4 External Fuel Tanks Flight Testing

Are they aiming at this being a long range missile truck?  We're all thinking an F-22 competitor but this is shaping up (at least to my eye) to be something completely different.

I wonder if this is aimed more at killing ships...or as some have speculated AWACS/Tankers...but not at fighting F-22's.

M-60T TZMA and Scorpion armored vehicles via Syria Live Map Blog.

Near Al Bab TSK M-60T TZMA and Scorpion armored vehicles

How would you like riding in this golf cart in a combat zone.  Strip it down, take off the ineffective armor and make it fast...at least speed would give you a chance to survive...

The UN resolution against Israeli settlements is starting to smell fishy...

via New Zealand Herald.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Foreign Minister Murray McCully of a "declaration of war" if the UN Security Council passed a resolution condemning Israel's continued settlements, according to a report.
New Zealand co-sponsored the resolution, which said the settlements violate international law and undermine a two-state solution in Israel's conflict with Palestine.
On Saturday, the Security Council voted in favour of passing the resolution and the Israeli Government recalled its ambassador from New Zealand as a result.
Before the vote on Saturday, Netanyahu personally phoned McCully and warned him of war, unnamed Western diplomats told Isareli newspaper Haaretz.
"This is a scandalous decision. I'm asking that you not support it and not promote it," Netanyahu reportedly told McCully.
"If you continue to promote this resolution from our point of view it will be a declaration of war. It will rupture the relations and there will be consequences."
McCully reportedly refused to back down, telling Netanyahu: "This resolution conforms to our policy and we will move it forward."
A spokesman for McCully confirmed the phone call took place, but said the Foreign Minister wouldn't comment on what was discussed.

First we have the SecState making a speech regarding the vote in the UN on Israeli settlements.  Then we have the Israelis stating that they have proof that the US administration pushed for the vote (which would undeniably be contrary to US policy) and now we have this unconfirmed report from New Zealand?

This whole thing is smelling fishy.

The worst part of this is that we're seeing the Middle East continue to burn.  Yemen is off the front page but the Saudis are still in over their heads.  The attack on Mosul has ground to a halt and they're talking about losing an entire division to retake the city (how many divisions does Iraq have anyway?) and we have a new fight shaping up in Syria around Raqqa.

The State Dept, Pentagon and the National Security Establishment does not need this distraction.

One last thing.  Netanyahu is viewed as a wild card by many (I think he's exactly the right kind of leader they need...the stumble toward instability first started in my opinion when the Sinai was returned...along with much needed strategic depth) but to tell the New Zealand Ambassador that "it will be a declaration of war" seems out of character for the guy.

Saudi Arabia headed toward turmoil?

Thanks to Overwatch DVA for the link!

via Farsnews.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Dozens of Saudi princes and princesses have left the country for the fear of their lives after the empowerment of King Salman and his son Muhammad bin Salman as deputy crown prince.

The Palestinian daily, al-Manar, quoted informed sources as saying that many members of the royal family have fled Saudi Arabia to other countries after increased internal differences and rivalries in the House of Saud and their policies in the region.
A large number of the royal family members believe that their lives are at stake and could be assassinated any moment.
According to the report, a number of these princes and princesses aren’t allowed to leave the country and are still in Saudi Arabia under the supervision of the security bodies.
Meantime, the fear is not confined to Saudi Arabia and certain Qatari and UAE princes and princesses have also left their countries.

Here. 

Wow.  I have no love for the Saudi Monarchy but can you imagine what the West would have to do if that country plunged into chaos?  You think a mission to safeguard Pakistani nukes is a descent into hell then consider what would happen if this large reserve of oil starts to go belly up.

I can see the 1st MarDiv getting activated to go...I can see the 82nd, 101st and probably the Big Red 1 getting called up....

And that's all before you consider the fact that holiest sites in Islam are located in that country.  They say we're not at war with Islam but if we have to enter Saudi Arabia we will be!

I couldn't give a rats ass about all the pamper princes/princesses but we might all need to hope for a little stability in that shady, backwater country.

Two more years to defeat ISIS? Time to fire some generals!

Thanks to William for the link!

via Daily Beast

The general commanding coalition forces in Iraq predicts it will take two years of hard work to clear the so-called Islamic State from its twin capitals of Mosul and Raqqa, and then to burn out the remnants that will likely flee to the vast empty desert between Syria and Iraq.
In a Christmas Day sit-down with The Daily Beast at his headquarters, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend would not put specific timelines on the battle. But he mapped out a grinding campaign that he thinks is going slowly but as well as can be expected, considering how much time ISIS had to prepare and how brutal its fighters are willing to be.

“A fighter walking out of a building will hold a child over his head so we can see him through ISR until he reaches another building,” he said, using the military acronym for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.


The grim battle against ISIS is taking place against a backdrop of continuing sectarian tension in Iraq, which could get worse if newly empowered militia groups let their influence go to their heads. A new Iraqi law that goes into force this week makes militia forces here legal. Such groups—especially Iranian backed Shiite armed forces—have been accused of war crimes against Iraq’s Sunni minority. The U.S. has ordinarily eyed these units warily.

But Townsend, in an unusual statement for an American commander, said these militias been been “remarkably disciplined” allies since he arrived. That assessment marks a stark contrast with his previous tours, when deadly Iranian-manufactured bombs almost hit his vehicle, and took the lives of many of his troops.

The coalition footprint is much smaller than the 100,000-plus of Townsend’s previous tours in Iraq—somewhere south of 10,000 when troops on short term duty are added to the count. At the headquarters compound, soldiers were taking a brief break from work on Christmas to stage a spoon relay race in a hallway. One soldier dressed as Santa cheered competitors to the finish line, while those watching swigged nonalcoholic cider for some semblance of Christmas cheer.

The headquarters is tucked inside the sprawling “Green Zone” which the U.S. used to run, now turned over to Iraqi control. The Americans feel very much like visitors. U.S. authority extends to the gate of the compound—all outside is done with Iraqi government permission. Townsend’s team is very aware they are there to help, not to lead.

JESUS!  Our way of war needs to be totally revamped.  Two MORE years to destroy a force that numbers less than 50K?  Allowing our supposed allies to legalize death squads so that the sectarian violence will continue...even those on the sidelines will eventually pick up arms if the govt forces are seen as being cold blooded murders!  A sprawling Green Zone which almost guarantees that we will be committed to supporting a faction in the sectarian violence...which means we've taken sides...also means that we're guaranteeing a generational conflict?

Its past time to fire this generation of generals.

I don't know how it happened but somehow, someway they've made Vietnam look like a well run military operation.

Is it even possible to win there anymore?

Alien: Covenant | Official Trailer

Big screen Sci-Fi is in trouble.

Sorry but when I can look at trailers of the new Star Wars flicks and see variations on the theme of the original then its time for Lucas to step aside and let some fresh blood in.

Same goes for the Alien franchise.  I means seriously!  This looks like a poor mix of Alien and Aliens!  Did I catch a hint of that controversial "alien" rape from the first film in this trailer?

Its past time for the studios to start looking for new material instead of giving us rehashed former block busters.

So the Ford Police Package INCLUDES ballistic protection?

 

http://tacticalsquad.tumblr.com/post/155031191738

 

I always thought the idea of hiding behind the doors of police cars by LEO's to be one of the most batshit crazy things I've seen.

Concealment maybe but cover?  Nope.  My steel core AK rounds would slice thru that like butter.

Looks like I was wrong.

Who knew but it appears that the Ford Police Package (which seems to be the nationwide standard) has ballistic protection and is practically proof against AK, AR and almost all handgun rounds.

Amazing.

Open Comment Post. Dec. 27, 2016